Arabic version: ضربة طائرة مسيرة بالقرب من منشأة نووية في الإمارات تثير مخاوف أمنية
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported a drone strike that caused a fire near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. Officials described the incident as a “dangerous escalation.” According to BBC News, the UAE’s defense ministry stated that three drones entered the country from the “western border direction.” While two were intercepted, the third struck an electrical generator “outside the inner perimeter” of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, igniting a fire.
No injuries were reported, and local authorities confirmed that there was no impact on radiological safety levels. In response to the attack, the UAE’s foreign ministry condemned the strike as an “unacceptable act of aggression,” asserting the nation’s right to respond to any hostilities. The ministry emphasized that targeting peaceful nuclear facilities violates international law and humanitarian principles.
The UAE’s defense ministry vowed to “firmly confront any attempts to undermine the country’s security.” However, officials have not disclosed the origin of the drone strike. Historically, the UAE has accused Iran of orchestrating attacks on its energy and economic infrastructure since war broke out in the region in February.
The Abu Dhabi Media Office reported that precautionary measures were implemented at the nuclear plant, which continues to operate normally. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressed grave concern about the incident, with Director General Rafael Grossi calling for maximum military restraint to ensure nuclear safety.
